Harlandale ISD’s Curriculum and Instruction Department recently welcomed 10 new team members to the Harlandale family.

Together all of these career professionals bring more than 100 years of experience all together to the department, which includes directors, coordinators, administrators, facilitators and administrative assistants.

“We are excited to have new experience come to us, and we look forward to working together and continuing to build the skills of both our administrators and our teachers,” Harlandale ISD Interim Superintendent Samantha Gallegos said.

Ronnie Cantu is the district’s Elementary Education Director. Cantu holds a bachelor’s degree in education from UT Austin and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Texas at Denton. He most recently held administrative positions in Plano ISD and San Antonio ISD.

In his spare time, he enjoys attending live sporting events, staying active at the gym and spending time with his two miniature schnauzer puppies, Champ and Daisy.

Diana Wagner will serve as Harlandale ISD’s Early Childhood Administrator. Wagner comes to Harlandale ISD with more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Most recently, she served as the principal at Jubilee Lake View University Prep.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in early childhood from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and a master’s degree in educational administration from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU). Wagner is also currently working on her doctorate degree in early childhood studies from North Central University. When she is not working or spending time with her family, you can find her out on a run or catching up on her reading.

David Castro, former math achievement director at KIPP Public Schools, is now the Secondary Math Coordinator. Castro has been in the education field for 30 years, serving in a variety of roles including director of individualized learning, assistant principal, and AP teacher, as well as team leader supporting math and science education with the UT Charles A. Dana Center. He is excited to bring all of his experience to Harlandale ISD.

Castro holds a bachelor's degree in history from Rice University, a master's degree in physics from UT Austin and has completed graduate work in educational leadership at UT Arlington. His interests include science, math, and astronomy. He and his wife enjoy spending time with family and attending literary events.

Noverto Gonzales is the College Career and Military Readiness Coordinator. Gonzales has had several leadership roles in the Harlandale ISD including academic dean and assistant principal. Most recently, he served Terrell Wells Middle School.

Gonzales received a bachelor's degree in merchandising with a minor in business from the University of North Texas and a master's in educational administration from Texas A&M San Antonio.

Before starting his educational career, he worked in New York City at SAKS Fifth Avenue and Macy’s Headquarters. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in family activities such as attending the Farmers Market at the Pearl and spending time with his four chihuahuas.

Meghan Guerrero is the new GT/STEM Coordinator. Guerrero previously served as the district’s elementary science facilitator, and before that, she taught at Schulze Elementary School.

Guerrero earned a Bachelor of Creative Media from New Mexico State University and a Master of Arts in Communications from UTSA. She enjoys crafting, creating digital art, skydiving and hiking. She is a new mother to a 6-month-old son and tries to attend as many live concerts as possible.

Justin Pozos is serving as Harlandale ISD’s Secondary ELAR Coordinator. Pozos has been teaching in the district for 17 years and is a product of the district. Most recently, he was an ELA Dual Credit teacher at Harlandale High School.

Pozos received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and English literature from the University of the Incarnate Word and a master’s degree in English literature from UTSA, where he has also been teaching part-time for the past eight years.

A fun fact: Pozos was the first Harlandale ISD student to receive a HEF Scholarship who graduated with a college degree and the first to come back to teach in the district!

Pozos enjoys spending time with his family and playing the guitar and drums.

Sylvia Servin is the new Family and Adult Education Coordinator at the SOSA Center. Servin has been with the district for 18 years, where she most recently served as a counselor at Columbia Heights Elementary School. As a proud product of Harlandale ISD, she hopes to build the families in the community in her new position.

Servin holds a bachelor’s degree in human science, a master’s degree in bilingual education and a second master’s degree in education and school counseling – all from OLLU.

In her spare time, she loves to read and spend time with her rather large lap dog – her 100-pound boxer – Palu.

Sara Dunn is the new Data Information and Reporting Facilitator. Dunn earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and a master’s degree in educational technology leadership from Lamar University. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 3-year-old daughter and two of her Boston Terriers, Maya and Sasha.

Linda Alderete is the new Administrative Assistant to the Science, Gifted and Talented (GT), and STEM Department coordinators. After serving three years as the Central Office receptionist, she had the opportunity to be the receptionist at the Maintenance Operations and Transportation Department. She gained behind-the-scenes knowledge on how the district is maintained. Alderete has two dogs that are the highlight of her life.

Valerie De Los Santos is the new Administrative Assistant to the Elementary Education Director. She was recently the district receptionist and is a product of the district. De Los Santos enjoys watching her son play baseball and spending time with her family. She is also a huge fan of photography and takes photos every chance she gets.

The new hires are excited and ready to kick off the 2019-2020 school year. The first day of school is Aug. 26.